How to Write Faster (and Better) | 10 Tips that Work

Writing is a notoriously difficult process, the mere thought of which might make your stomach churn. No doubt, it’s easy to get lost in the reeds to the point of contemplating giving up entirely. Yet, there are techniques you can use to make the process more efficient.

This guide details how to write faster, and ultimately, more effectively so you can reap the rewards of a job well done.

1. Create an outline first

Creating an outline will make the rest of your writing process move much more straightforward and avoid unnecessary meandering. For example, if you’re writing an essay, structure your outline as follows:

• Introduction: Start with a clear hook to draw the reader in, such as a striking statement, interesting fact, or anecdote. Provide background information to orient the reader and premise the main idea of your essay. Follow this with a thesis statement, which articulates the main point or argument of your essay.
• Body paragraphs: A standard essay typically has three or more body paragraphs. Stick to a single point in each that supports your thesis statement. In the outline, include bullets with the main point you want to make and any ideas you have for quotes, data, evidence, or arguments to back it up.
• Conclusion: Reiterate your thesis statement and summarize the main points you’ve made in your body paragraphs. End by reflecting on the overall implications of your topic and argument, along with a call to action where applicable.

2. Block out distractions

Many writers will attest that the time spent actually writing is often diluted by distractions—scrolling, checking emails, or doing chores that can wait. So one of the simplest ways to write faster is to cut down on time you waste on superfluous activity. Instead, treat your writing time as sacred. Or at least note that the more focused you are, the sooner the work will be over.

Reduce unnecessary screen time by closing social media, turning off notifications, and setting boundaries around your precious writing time. While there are plenty of apps and fancy hardware dedicated to helping you focus, it can also be as simple as putting your phone in airplane mode.

3. Use dictation

Sometimes speaking your ideas out loud can help untangle your thoughts and enable you to write with more clarity and decisiveness that cuts down on overall writing time. Plus, many people find that they talk faster than they can type.

Use a dictation tool that transcribes your speech and try speaking your thoughts as if you were explaining them to a friend. This can serve as the basis for your draft, and you can go on to refine it from there.

4. Use writing sprints and time constraints

Often, the time it takes to write something expands to the amount of time we give ourselves to do it. In other words, if you give yourself clear deadlines and time constraints to get a piece of writing done, you will force yourself to make it happen within that frame. Alternatively, if you lack a clear deadline or time constraint, you might put it off forever.

Especially if you’re feeling stuck on getting started or worrying about how long the writing process will take, establish some clear writing sprints to get the ball rolling. Sit down, set a timer, and start typing out what you have so far. Where you find yourself stalling out or struggling to articulate an idea, simply add filler words like “thinking” or “come back to this.” You’ll be surprised at how far you can get with this approach.

5. Get a writing buddy

If you find that you struggle with procrastination or getting sidetracked with other things, having a buddy for accountability can do wonders for making your writing process more efficient and helping you to stay on task. A writing buddy can also be useful for calming any dread or nerves you might have when it comes to staring at a blank page.

There are also lots of ways to approach working with a writing buddy to suit different working styles and needs. You could set a weekly writing session in a cozy cafe, or even co-work digitally over Zoom. Structure your time with focused stretches followed by breaks or feedback time where you talk through any points where you’re feeling stuck.

6. Separate writing from editing

If you feel crippled by the fear that what you write won’t be “good,” and it’s keeping you from getting the job done, try mentally separating writing and editing into two separate processes.

Sometimes, it’s perfectionism that keeps us from writing with fluidity, so turn off your inner critic during the drafting process by letting it know that it can take the reins once it’s time to edit. For many people, it’s useful to draft one day, step away, and edit tomorrow.

7. Use writing prompts

If it’s writer’s block that’s stalling you out, writing prompts can be a great help. They’ll get those creative juices flowing, whether you’re writing an assignment for class, preparing a presentation, or crafting a compelling sales pitch.

These essay prompts, for example can do the trick to get started:

• Argumentative essay prompts: Is regular caffeine intake healthy? Should society move to a 4-day work week? Does AI play a positive role in education?
• Expository essay prompts: How do microplastics affect the human body? What are the leading causes of climate change? How have girls’ educational outcomes changed in recent years?
• Personal essay prompts: What is one book that has changed your life? What have you learned from times where you did not succeed or things turned out differently than you planned? What’s something (a sport, food, hobby, etc.) you resisted at first, but now you love?

8. Kill your darlings

Another common pitfall when trying to write more efficiently is failing to discern when it’s better to cut the excess. “Killing your darlings” is a phrase that means cutting beloved sentences, interesting but circuitous arguments, and fun subplots that don’t quite fit the overall flow of writing.

It’s easy to waste a lot of time trying to find ways to fit these things in or fruitlessly editing the piece because you aren’t willing to make the difficult call of trimming things down. So if your writing is not progressing, ask yourself whether those parts are actually advancing your point or if they just sound nice.

9. Try AI tools

AI tools can help you write faster in many ways, but they’re best used as a co-writer or editor. Here are some ways that AI tools can help you write faster:

• Offering alternative suggestions when your phrasing sounds awkward
• Take your outline or bullet points and expand them
• Flag spots that don’t fit the tone or guidelines when content or copywriting
• Summarize secondary sources for the main points
• Generate properly formatted citations
• Check your grammar for errors

10. Practice

If you want to write well, there are no true shortcuts. But you can become more discerning and better at coping with the struggles that come along with. You can do this as you get to know yourself better as a writer through practice.

The key is to develop good habits through the tips outlined above—whether it’s using dictation, working with a buddy, or using AI tools for time-consuming tasks like citations. With time, you’ll find what works for you and the process will become more efficient and straightforward.

Frequently asked questions about how to write faster

How can I write faster by hand for exams and notetaking?

To write faster by hand try these tips:

• Write smaller: Smaller letters cover less distance on the page, which speeds up your overall pace. Use a finer-tip pen so it stays legible
• Aim for a more vertical script, instead of a heavy slant: A vertical hand moves mostly straight down and to the right.
• Simplify your letters: Drop unnecessary entry/exit strokes, minimize loops, and cross your ‘t’s as you finish the word rather than going back.
• Use shorthand: Replace long, repeated words with short symbols or abbreviations (like writing “bcz” or “f.”).
• Maintain good posture: Sit straight and move your hand from the elbow and shoulder rather than just the wrist to prevent cramping.
• Write by hand more often if you don’t already: In today’s day and age, writing by hand is less common. Practicing it more will help condition your hand and enable you to do so faster.

Discover more personalized tips for how to write faster by hand using Quillbot’s AI Chat.

What is a mind map in writing?

A mind map in writing is a visual representation of your main idea, body paragraphs, and supporting details. You can use it as a prewriting strategy to organize your ideas before writing an essay. For example, if you’re writing an argumentative essay, make a mind map by following these steps:

• Write your main topic/argument in a circle in the center of the page. (This will eventually become your thesis statement.)
• Make a branch and a circle for each body paragraph. Write a different reason for your argument in the center of each circle.
• Make additional branches and circles for the supporting details you’re considering for each body paragraph.

Creating a mind map can help make the essay writing process faster. As you create a mind map for an essay, Quillbot’s AI Chat can help you brainstorm ideas or give you feedback on the body paragraph topics you’re considering.